Manufacturing Engineer

Kids for the Future; Chagrin Falls (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kids for the Future is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to optimize the sheet molding compound production line in a high-volume, automated facility. You will focus on process efficiency, material quality, and waste reduction across all production stages.

The role emphasizes hands-on floor presence, process control, and cross-functional collaboration with maintenance and engineering teams to ensure uptime and safe operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in composites manufacturing required, preferably SMC or similar processes.
• Strong understanding of polymer chemistry, fiber-reinforced materials, and process control.
• Experience with Lean and Six Sigma tools.
• Familiarity with automated manufacturing systems and PLC-controlled processes.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Own and continuously optimize the SMC production line, including resin mixing, doctor blade gap settings, glass fiber chopping, and conveyor speed.
• Monitor and adjust process variables to maintain stable, high-performance operations.
• Assist in qualifying new raw materials and formulas; provide feedback to Material Engineering.
• Partner with maintenance teams and vendors to ensure reliability and uptime of equipment.
• Identify and implement improvements, including tooling, fixtures, or material handling solutions.
• Apply Lean manufacturing principles (5S, Kaizen) and Six Sigma methodologies (DOE, SPC) to improve yield and reduce scrap.
• Drive data-based decision-making across operations.
• Establish, monitor, and maintain SOPs, batch records, and process documentation for compliance.
• Ensure full compliance with EHS and OSHA requirements on the production floor.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Communication

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

Tools

DOE

SPC

PLC systems

Automation knowledge

Job description

• Employee Type REG
• Required Degree 4 Year Degree
• Manage Others No

Description

Position Summary:

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for optimizing process flow and sustaining the production of sheet molding compound materials in a high-volume, automated manufacturing environment. This role focuses on improving process efficiency, ensuring consistent material quality, identifying equipment needs, and reducing waste across all stages of SMC production.

Key Responsibilities:

Process Optimization & Control:
Own and continuously optimize the SMC production line, including resin mixing, doctor blade gap settings, glass fiber chopping, and conveyor speed. Monitor and adjust process variables to maintain stable, high-performance operations.

Material Trials:
Assist in qualifying new raw materials and new formulas. Provide feedback to Material Engineering team with process performance.

Equipment Maintenance & Design:
Partner with maintenance teams and outside vendors to ensure reliability and uptime of compounding equipment, mixers, and cutting systems. Identify and implement improvements, including specifying new tooling, fixtures, or material handling solutions.

Continuous Improvement:
Apply Lean manufacturing principles (5S, Kaizen) and Six Sigma methodologies (DOE, SPC) to improve first-pass yield, reduce scrap, and minimize cycle times. Drive data-based decision-making across operations.

Quality Assurance:
Establish, monitor, and maintain strict process parameter windows (e.g., temperature, humidity, thickening time) to ensure proper sheet maturation and consistent resin-to-fiber ratios. Drive root cause analysis for quality deviations.

Documentation & Compliance:
Develop, maintain, and audit Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), batch records, and process documentation to ensure consistency, traceability, and compliance with internal and external standards.

Safety Leadership:
Ensure full compliance with EHS and OSHA requirements, particularly related to chemical handling (resins, initiators), ventilation systems, and machine guarding. Promote a strong safety culture on the production floor.

Fast-paced manufacturing setting with exposure to chemicals, moving machinery, and varying temperatures. Requires regular presence on the production floor and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field preferred
• 5+ years of experience in composites manufacturing required, preferably SMC or similar processes
• Strong understanding of polymer chemistry, fiber-reinforced materials, and process control
• Experience with Lean and Six Sigma tools
• Familiarity with automated manufacturing systems and PLC-controlled processes
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills